A Malaysian Tsunami Or A Mere Ripple?

With the next general elections looming on the horizon DAP leader Lim Kit Siang’s recent declaration of a possible ‘Malaysian Tsunami’ has of course set tongues wagging. He believes the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) could possibly win Perak, Johor and Negeri Sembilan based on the assumption that it gains an additional 10% of Malay votes and 5% of non-Malay votes. Markedly Lim Kit Siang’s forecast takes into consideration a multi-cornered fight if wild card Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) were to contest against the National Front (BN) and PH. In some ways there appears to be a certain level of confidence on the part of Lim Kit Siang that Pakatan Harapan will be able to garner the necessary votes to take over the three states. His bravado is commended given the tall order facing the opposition alliance.

It is no secret that PH is a marriage of convenience. The fact that the respective parties were squabbling over who would lead the alliance is well documented and there continues to be public discourse on how long the pact formed would remain in intact. Is Lim Kit Siang certain the opposition coalition can withstand at least until the upcoming polls despite their divergent interests? If the rumblings on the ground are to be trusted there remains unease within DAP, PKR and Amanah over Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s presence. The disquiet is largely over Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad being allowed into their camp given his past transgressions. There is also the matter of seat allocation, which will likely be another bone of contention within the alliance. Having won the most seats in the last general election DAP would obviously want to contest in those constituencies. Political wrangling is expected to ensue given what is at stake. Will PH members be able to make compromises and reach a consensus or will it be consumed by infighting?

It will certainly be interesting to see if Lim Kit Siang’s prediction of a ‘Malaysian Tsunami’ materializes. The next election is not due until 2018. Yet given the daily dose of politicking being dished out, Malaysians are undoubtedly waiting with bated breath for parliament to be dissolved. It is the duty of every citizen of this country to vote for their party of choice. Only then will we know if in fact there will be a Malaysian Tsunami as hoped by Lim Kit Siang or perhaps just a small ripple.